Bournemouth Vs Manchester City: Manchester City will aim to hold onto their spot at the summit of the Premier League as they face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
The clash marks their first encounter since February, when City narrowly edged out a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, thanks to a decisive first-half goal by Phil Foden.
With both teams seeking crucial points—City to cement their lead and Bournemouth to improve their standing—the stage is set for an intense showdown.
City’s relentless push for top honors meets Bournemouth’s resolve, promising an exciting test of skill and strategy for both sides.
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Match Preview – Bournemouth Vs Manchester City Vs (01 Nov 2024, 4:00 PM WAT)
Stay tuned as Sports Buddy dives into the crucial dynamics set to shape this matchup.
Key Team News
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are set to miss key players as they prepare for the weekend, with Alex Scott sidelined long-term due to a knee injury. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (thigh) and Luis Sinisterra (muscle) are also confirmed absentees.
Manager Andoni Iraola has indicated it’s “very unlikely” that Dango Ouattara will be fit, though Philip Billing has rejoined training and is available for selection after missing last week’s Villa match due to illness.
In Kepa’s absence, Mark Travers is expected to continue in goal. Marcus Tavernier could step into Ouattara’s position, adding depth to the midfield.
Up front, Evanilson will be pushing to start, challenging former Man City forward Enes Unal for a place in the lineup.
With these adjustments, Iraola will be looking to balance his squad against a tough opponent, hoping the returning players can bolster Bournemouth’s game.
Manchester City
Manchester City faces significant injury concerns ahead of their upcoming match, with manager Pep Guardiola revealing “many injury doubts” in the squad.
Winger Savinho, who suffered a severe ankle knock against Spurs, was stretchered off, though initial scans thankfully ruled out a fracture.
Defenders Manuel Akanji (groin) and Josko Gvardiol (knock) remain under assessment, while key players like Kevin De Bruyne (groin), Kyle Walker (knee), Jeremy Doku (muscle), and Jack Grealish (knock) are confirmed absentees.
Long-term injuries continue to keep Rodri (ACL) and Oscar Bobb (leg fracture) out of action as well.
In light of these injuries, Guardiola could bring back up to five players who missed the midweek fixture. Ederson, Gvardiol—if cleared to play—Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and star striker Erling Haaland are all in the frame to return to the starting lineup, as City looks to manage squad depth amid a demanding schedule.
Possible Lineups – Bournemouth Vs Manchester City
Bournemouth
Kepa (GK); Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Tavernier, Kluivert; Evanilson
Manchester City
Ederson (GK); Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Bernardo, Gundogan, Foden, Nunes; Haaland
Head-to-Head – Bournemouth Vs Manchester City
Bournemouth and Manchester City have met 15 times in total, with City claiming victory in every encounter. Here’s a snapshot of their last five matchups.
24 Feb 2024 – Premier League: Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester City
04 Nov 2023 – Premier League: Manchester City 6-1 Bournemouth
25 Feb 2023 – Premier League: Bournemouth 1-4 Manchester City
13 Aug 2022 – Premier League: Manchester City 4-0 Bournemouth
24 Sep 2020 – League Cup: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth
Current Form – Bournemouth Vs Manchester City
Bournemouth
2 loses, 1 win, 1 lose, 1 win and 1 draw in their last SIX matches.
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Manchester City
5 wins and 1 draw in their last SIX matches.
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Where To Watch Bournemouth Vs Manchester City
You can watch Manchester City Vs Southampton on all these TV channels:
Canal+ Sport 4
DStv Now
SuperSport Action
SuperSport Maximo
Predicted Winner – Bournemouth Vs Manchester City
Manchester City heads into this matchup as the clear favorite, boasting a 61% chance of victory. Bournemouth, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle with just a 17% probability of winning, while there’s a 22% chance the game could end in a draw.